Description
Zesty Lemon Loaf Recipe
Ingredients
For the Lemon Loaf:
1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon extract
1/3 cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Glaze:
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and softened butter together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, lemon extract, fresh lemon juice, vegetable oil, sour cream, and lemon zest, and mix until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake the Loaf:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. If you want a thicker glaze, use less lemon juice; for a thinner glaze, use more.
Optional: Add lemon zest to the glaze for extra flavor.
Glaze the Loaf:
Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the lemon loaf and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. This bright and zesty treat is perfect for any time of day!
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a foolproof, moist lemon loaf every time. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your 9×5-inch loaf pan. Properly greasing and flouring the pan (or using parchment paper) is crucial to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—to ensure even leavening. In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the eggs, sugar, and softened butter for a full 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a lighter crumb. Next, add the vanilla, lemon extract, lemon juice, oil, sour cream, and zest, mixing until just combined. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stopping as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing leads to a tough loaf. Pour the batter into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 50-60 minutes. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Only glaze the loaf once it is completely cool to prevent the icing from melting.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile lemon loaf is delightful on its own but can be elevated for any occasion. For a simple breakfast or afternoon tea, serve a slice alongside a hot cup of Earl Grey or herbal citrus tea. For a dessert presentation, top a warm slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a drizzle of raspberry coulis. Garnish with fresh berries, a twist of lemon peel, or edible flowers for a beautiful brunch centerpiece. The loaf also makes excellent French toast; simply dip slices in an egg-milk mixture and pan-fry until golden.
How-to Summary
To make the perfect Zesty Lemon Loaf: 1) Whisk dry ingredients. 2) Cream eggs, sugar, and butter until fluffy. 3) Mix in remaining wet ingredients and zest. 4) Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. 5) Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes. 6) Cool completely before glazing with a simple mix of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the brightest flavor. Bottled juice often contains preservatives and lacks the vibrant, fresh taste that defines this loaf.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Full-fat plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk are excellent 1:1 substitutes. They provide the same moisture and slight tang.
Why did my loaf sink in the middle?
This is typically caused by underbaking or opening the oven door too early. Ensure your oven is properly preheated and use a toothpick test for doneness.
How should I store the lemon loaf?
Store the glazed loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. The recipe yields about 12 standard muffins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense, tough texture. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature to create a smooth, emulsified batter that bakes evenly.
- Glazing a warm loaf: Applying glaze before the loaf is completely cool will cause it to melt and soak in, making the top soggy.
- Inaccurate measuring: For flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly packs the flour, leading to a dry loaf.
- Not testing for doneness properly: Ovens vary. Start checking at 50 minutes with a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center.
Conclusion
This Zesty Lemon Loaf recipe is a reliable classic, balancing tangy citrus flavor with a supremely moist and tender crumb. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a bakery-quality treat at home. Its bright, refreshing taste makes it perfect for everything from a casual snack to an elegant dessert. We hope this enhanced guide helps you bake with confidence and enjoy every slice of this sunny, delightful loaf.